News

Solid NICC Debut for South Australian Women

Date of Event
:
Mon Feb 12, 2018 3:46PM

Last season’s Imparja Cup (Community Division) provided strong stepping-stones for South Australia’s Women’s Indigenous side as this year they entered the National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC) in 2018 for the first time.

South Australia’s 2017 Imparja Cup team was full of players who bar two had never played Cricket before.

Now with a year of Cricket under their belt, these women have shown what they can do at state level.

Head coach Mark Cameron says:

“When I first started coaching the girls, some of them didn’t know how to hold a cricket bat and now by the end of it, they’re actually playing good shots.”

Cameron picks out wicket-keeper and middle order batter Jade Wilson, as an important team player to the teams dynamic.

“As a person she’s just brilliant, she does a lot behind the scenes, which is great.

“To me as a coach you look for that person that helps with the team dynamics, and she’s that person.”

Wilson with a Softball background has shown her strides to now be vice-captain of the South Australian side.

After playing the Imparja Cup last year and thoroughly enjoying it, she has now moved to Glenelg District Cricket Club where she plays in their 2nd grade side.

Wilson says:

“I’m enjoying being around the women and how we support each other.

“We made a commitment (last season) for the girls who wanted to play in this year’s team, we said go back to your local town and sign up at a club and so I made an effort to contact some clubs.”

South Australia who knew they had an inexperienced line-up were able to write themselves into the history books with a first ever win at the National Indigenous Cricket Championships. Defeating the Northern Territory by a whopping 10 wickets.

Amanda Silva dominated with the ball taking 4/11 off her 4 overs, restricting the NT to 7/80 of their 20 overs.

SA’s opening partnership was enough to carry them to victory, as Anita Silva (30 from 33) combined with skipper Febi Mansell (31 from 51).

Cameron spoke about the win saying:

“We didn’t even think we would win a game to be honest, so to get the win was a bonus and we’re all very proud to be representing South Australia.

“What SACA’s trying to do is build the players up so they stick together and keep growing together as a group and then passing it on to younger generations.”

To view the final results of the NICC, please go to nicc.cricket.com.au